THANKS to the 2009 Colossal Colon® NATIONAL SPONSOR!!!  Click here to register for Get Your Guts in Gear - The Ride for Crohn's and Colitis.  The 3-day, 210-mile cycling events are held to raise awareness, to empower those affected by Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and to find a cure.


Colossal Colon
Check out pictures page for more pictures

On the "Today" show in November of 2001, Katie Couric told Molly that if she came up with something crazy for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, the "Today" show would cover it. The wheels started turning, and one day in the shower Molly came up with the idea to build the Colossal Colon®! 

“Coco,” as the Colossal Colon® is affectionately known, is a 40-foot long, 4-foot tall oversized model of the human colon that is designed to educate about colorectal cancer and other diseases of the colon.  Visitors who crawl through the Colossal Colon will see Crohn's disease, diverticulosis, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, cancerous and non-cancerous polyps, and various stages of colon cancer. 

The Colon Club’s goal is to educate younger people about colorectal cancer, and the Colossal Colon® is the perfect educational tool to do just that.  Coco gets everyone talking about colorectal cancer, which is one of the first steps in eliminating it.  Adults and children alike can crawl through or look through windows to check out the various features inside Coco. 

Since 2002, Coco has visited over 100 cities in over 40 states and Canada, and has been hosted at hospitals, malls, convention centers, state fairs, museums, a football tournament, an amusement park, and other unique locations.  Click here to read more about the history of the Colossal Colon®. 

If you are interested in renting the Colossal Colon®, please visit the Rental Information page

The Colossal Colon® was built by Adirondack Scenic, Inc., a theme design company located in Argyle, NY.  Actual colonoscopy footage was used to ensure that the features inside the Colossal Colon® are as realistic as possible.  Special thanks to Maggie Tierney with the Glens Falls Hospital for her help!!!

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 ***The Colossal Colon® is sponsored nationally by Get Your Guts in Gear – The Ride for Crohn’s & Colitis, a series of 3-day, 210-mile cycling events created and produced by Get Your Guts in Gear, Inc. (“GYGIG”) to empower people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to raise awareness about these diseases.  The Rides also raise funds for research, education, patient support, and advocacy work for Crohn’s and colitis. 

GOT GUTS? GEAR UP!
 
Are you up for an unforgettable adventure for a great cause?  Join Get Your Guts In Gear for their 2009 Rides for Crohn's and Colitis!  You can ride or join the support the crew during these 210-mile, three-day cycling adventures. 
 
Join in the fun this year and seize the opportunity to connect with patients, family and friends who are affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.  You can make a difference and have a blast along the way!  Here is what people are saying about GYGIG's Rides: 
 
 
"GYGIG's events are vastly more than bike rides.  Each Ride creates and environment where those from different walks of life who face similar medical adventures can develop profoundly deep friendships.  Yet, the atmosphere is so inclusive that all are welcome to share in the special bonds that develop." 
- Phil L., rider
 
"It's been a long time since I truly felt like I was making a difference.  Watching my daughter battle Crohn's is so frustrating as I feel helpless in doing something about it.  The Ride is the perfect event to empower all of us.  It really is more than a ride - I can't wait to do it again - hopefully next time with my daugther riding with me!  
- Margaret M., rider
 
 
Whether you are an experienced cyclist looking for a great ride or a novice rider who is affected by one of these diseases, you'll enjoy our scenic, fully supported rides.  
 
 
Three Rides, Three ways to take action!
 
New York's Hudson River Valley - June 12-14, 2009
Depart from New York City and head north through the Hudson River Valley, one of the most picturesque settings of the Northeast.  
 
Pacific Northwest/Seattle Area - August 7-9, 2009
Ride north of Seattle, exploring beautiful island coast lines and summer scenes of the rural Skagit Valley, while taking in the vistas of the Cascade Mountains. 
 
Inaugural RIde in the Midwest - 2-4, 2009
Cycle through the rolling fields of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and experience the spectacular fall colors and lake country views.  
 
 
Each GYGIG Ride averages 70 miles per day, with two overnight camping stops to relax and recharge your engines with food, friends, and a hot shower. All three routes include an opening ceremony on day 1 and a closing ceremony on day 3 to celebrate the efforts and dedication of every rider and crew member.
 
  • The events provide opportunities to overcome physical and emotional challenges within a supportive Ride Community.  By completing the Ride, many participants find physical strength and emotional resolve they never even knew they had.  
  • During the Ride, cyclists will be fully supported by the staff and the devoted, all-volunteer crew.  GYGIG provides meals and route support, including fully-stocked rest stops, sweep vehicles, and baggage transport between camps.
  • Funds are raised for Get Your Guts In Gear, Inc., the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, The Colon Club, the United Ostomy Associations of America, and Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. - - organizations that are committed to raising awareness, finding a cure, and ending the suffering caused by Crohn’s & colitis.
  • Riders have consistently raised an average of more than $2,700 each, with ongoing support and encouragement from GYGIG’s experienced staff.  Fundraising gives cyclists the chance to both spread awareness and raise vital funds to support the Crohn’s and colitis community.
  • Since 2004, GYGIG has returned more than $1 million in proceeds to support work for empowerment, awareness, and research!
 
Participants are able to draw strength and support from fellow riders and volunteers, many of whom are touched in some way by Crohn's or colitis.  Wherever the Rides take you, you'll always be surrounded by the solidarity of your peers.  Whatever you may need, whether it's a helping hand or maybe just someone to talk to, it's only a few pedal strokes away.  
 
There is an $85 registration fee for riders and crew, and each rider needs to raise at least $1,800 per Ride to participate.  For more information, please contact GYGIG at (718) 875-2123 or e-mail us at info@ibdride.org.  Riders and crew 18 and over may register online.  For information concerning riders and crew ages 12-17, please write or call us.
 
 
For more information and answers to FAQs, please visit www.IBDride.org.

 

Get Your Guts in Gear is Presented by:

 

Get Your Guts in Gear is Sponsored by:  

       
 
     


Colossal Colon Schedule
Dates and locations are subject to change. Please check back!

DATE

HOST AND LOCATION
February 25, 2009

Colorectal Cancer Education Day
Arkansas State Capitol
Little Rock, AR  72201
Sponsored by: The Colon Club

February 27, 2009

Cut The Cheese To Cut Out Colorectal Cancer
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
1100 Napa Valley Drive
Little Rock, AR  72211
Sponsored by: The Colon Club and Arkansas Gastroenterology

March 4-8, 2009 Lime Ridge Mall
999 Upper Wentworth Street
Hamilton, Ontario  L9A 4X5
Sponsored by: Juravinski Cancer Centre Foundation and Juravinski Cancer Centre
March 13-18, 2009 Detroit Science Center
5020 John R Street
Detroit, MI  48202
Sponsored by: CRAN (Colorectal Cancer Awareness Network of Southeastern Michigan)
March 22-26, 2009 Sonoraville Recreation Complex
7494 Highway 53 SE
Calhoun, GA  30701
Sponsored by: Gordon Hospital and Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition, Inc.
March 29-April 3, 2009 Northeast Baptist Hospital
8811 Village Drive
San Antonio, TX  78217
Sponsored by: Cancer Care Centers of South Texas 
August 6-9, 2009 UOAA Conference at the Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA  70130
Sponsored by: Edgepark Medical Supplies